I•C•E// r.s.l.❣

1.9

Nothing went down, nothing was scheduled to go down. We came to the conclusion that the couch just wasn't big enough for two people to cuddle together so we walked back to his room and have spent the last two hours hugged together just chatting and laughing about anything and everything.

It was my definition of perfect.

Only when my watch beeped to signal 11pm that I sat up. "I should probably be going; I have to pack for England."

"When do you leave? Wasn't it next week?"

"12pm tomorrow, or something, due to last night." I sighed. "It's most likely going to fail. I don't think he's realised the danger it is that I'm going to England, where I.C.E. is."

"I think he mentioned something about you being escorted by the top spies and the President's soldiers. He didn't pick me, of course, because as far as anybody's concerned, we don't talk." He shrugged.

"Even though we saved each other's lives a few hours ago." I chuckled then gave him a final hug. "I'll miss you; for what, 5 days?"

"I'll miss you too, but I hope everything works out there." He smiled, placing a kiss on my lips. "I'll walk you."

"No no, everybody is out partying- the compound is at its safest I think." I slipped on my shoes. "I'll try to come and say goodbye, but if not, I'll see you very soon."

He pulled me into another hug, trapping me beneath him. "Don't go quite just yet."

"I have to, you clingy child." He pretended to be hurt. "Kidding, it's cute."

"Call me when you land." he squeezed my hand before I left his apartment.

Like expected, the walk back was safe as some friends were out and about the campus. They noticed I was happier (and was wearing boxers) rather than running shorts. I wasn't going to drop the news about Ross and I just yet; I want to surprise them when I'm back.

+++

That was the biggest waste of my time. The Queen's spokesperson basically said that matters are out of her hands as I decided to go back to America. She apparently isn't allowed to stop I.C.E., as that would break their alliance. Fuck your alliance.

So within 3 days of the 5 we were meant to stay, we flew back again. I did all my sleeping in the plane as we would be landing there at 11am. I slept for a good 7 hours and spent the other 5 watching movies and playing stupid games with my Dad.

It was some weird type of bonding, but I liked it as it was so easygoing and carefree.

"Over here!" David called my name as I walked down the stairs to the car park, a sleek black car waiting for us.

"Ooh, this is nice! They better have food though, so hungry." I got inside, followed by David.

The drive took a good 40 minutes before we pulled into the underground entrance to F.A.S.T. Last time I was down here, I was in a straitjacket, and majorly pissed at the world around me.

One of those things hasn't exactly changed, but, it's faded slightly.

The gang was gathered at the main hall, and the first to hug me was Riker. "Athena! Where my Haribos at?"

"We didn't buy any gifts.." Rocky groaned at my announcement and they all copied. I acted hurt for a split second. "Kidding, they're in my bag."

"Good good." Casey squeezed me. As she did so, I looked to my side, Ross stood a few metres away from the rest with a smirk. Once Casey released me, I walked over to him, and gave him a hug.

"Did you miss me?"

"Indeed I did," all eyes had discreetly turned to us. "How did it go?"

"Complete waste of time, but more on that later because am so- what the-" my rambling was brought to an early end by Blondie kissing the living daylight out of me. Not that I'm complaining.

"Hold up," Sierra muttered just as we stepped away from one another. "Are you two.."

"I thought it was pretty obvious." Ross said flatly.

There was a moment of silence, until David jumped to Riker. "PAY UP!"

Suddenly I noticed Casey also paying Rydel, and Rocky whilst Ellington paid Sierra.

"You guys! You didn't really bet on us, did you?!" I whined.

"Apparently so, but I'm so happy for you two!" Rydel giggled then ran to give me a hug. During that hug, I watched as Dad came and shook Ross' hand, their differences finally sorted. However, it wasn't long until he was the bottom of a pile of bodies, as the boys decided to jump and tackle him.

+++

"Is there a puppy in here?"

I looked to my boyfriend. "You can't travel with animals like that."

"Still, you could be hiding it for me." He winked. "A little doggy wouldn't kill anybody."

"I don't think they would allow us to keep," I stopped in front of my door, the numbers 13, 23 and 95 carved into it, along with a poor drawing of an atom.

"What the hell?" Ross goes to touch it but I stop him brutally. "What?"

"Can't you smell it? It's lead paint over the carved parts- my door was never dark blue, it was brown." I said. "What does it mean?"

"I'm as lost as you are, my love."

I giggled lightly at the pet name but focused, grabbing my phone. "Dad..? We have a thing.."

It wasn't long until the chemists in the compound sectioned off my room and began to go in. In there, were residues of the gas they used the other night along with other chemicals in my pillows corrosive enough to severely burn my face overnight.

Ross pulled me into a hug. "You're sleeping with me tonight, no excuses."

"Okay." Was all I said. "I wish whoever is doing this just came for me already rather than making up stupid ways to let me know their identity."

"It isn't stupid." Amelia, one of the chemists said, drawing us closer. "Look at the door, what do you see."

"The numbers and the atom symbol." It took me a moment. "Do you know the Periodic Table by heart?"

"Here, I keep one in my pocket at all times." She met Ross' weirded out gaze. "Don't judge me, Blondie."

"No comment." He chuckled.

I scanned the table, grabbing a pen. With it, I wrote Aluminium, Vanadium and Americium; what the numbers represented.

I looked carefully at the words I had just written on the wall, not making any sense to me. But then it hit me.

Aluminium,
Vanadium,
Americium.

AVA.

"That fucking bitch." I was beyond livid at this point, so I grabbed the gun I kept in my hand at all times and began to sprint towards her room.